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Curator Fish Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Marriott

Assistant Aquarium Curator

Longboat Key, FL · On-site

Daily responsibilities may include the care of a variety of animals including marine fish, assorted ... This role will assist the Curator in supervising a team of aquarists. CANDIDATE PROFILE Education ...

Marriott

Assistant Aquarium Curator

Longboat Key, FL

Daily responsibilities may include the care of a variety of animals including marine fish, assorted ... This role will assist the Curator in supervising a team of aquarists. CANDIDATE PROFILE Education ...

City of Albuquerque

Head Aquarist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$54K - $57K/yr

Respond to public inquiries regarding aquarium habitats and fish behavior. Provide responsible assistance to the Assistant Curator. SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS: Assist in the design and construction of ...

Indianapolis Zoo

Aquarist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

From caring for our marine fish and invertebrates and maintaining the underwater exhibits, to ... Will be required to implement species quarantine procedures as directed by Assistant Curator.

Indianapolis Zoo

Aquarist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

From caring for our marine fish and invertebrates and maintaining the underwater exhibits, to ... Will be required to implement species quarantine procedures as directed by Assistant Curator.

Indianapolis Zoo

Aquarist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

From caring for our marine fish and invertebrates and maintaining the underwater exhibits, to ... Will be required to implement species quarantine procedures as directed by Assistant Curator.

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$25.5K

$72.6K

$119.5K

How much do curator fish jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for curator fish in the United States is $72,627.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Curator Fish, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Curator Fish, you need expertise in ichthyology, aquatic animal husbandry, and collection management, typically supported by a degree in marine biology or a related field. Familiarity with aquarium systems, water quality monitoring tools, and collection database software is important. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help coordinate care, exhibitions, and educational programs. These skills ensure the health of fish collections, successful public engagement, and proper management of aquatic exhibits.

What is the difference between Curator Fish vs Aquarist?

AspectCurator FishAquarist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in marine biology, zoology, or related fieldOften requires a degree or certification in marine science or aquaculture
Work EnvironmentMuseums, aquariums, research institutionsAquariums, public exhibits, private collections
Job FocusManaging collections, research, conservation effortsMaintaining exhibits, caring for aquatic animals, ensuring habitat health

While both roles involve working with aquatic animals, a Curator Fish typically focuses on managing collections and research in museums or aquariums, whereas an Aquarist primarily cares for the animals and maintains exhibits. The roles often overlap in skills and environment but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by a Curator Fish when managing aquatic exhibits?

Curator Fish professionals often face challenges such as maintaining optimal water quality for diverse species, coordinating with veterinary teams to ensure animal health, and managing the logistics of introducing new specimens without disrupting established ecosystems. Additionally, they must balance educational goals with conservation efforts and collaborate closely with aquarists, educators, and facility maintenance staff. Adapting to changing regulations and advancing technologies in aquarium care is also a key aspect of this dynamic role.

What does a Curator of Fish do?

A Curator of Fish is responsible for managing and overseeing fish collections in institutions such as museums, aquariums, or research centers. Their duties typically include acquiring, cataloging, and caring for fish specimens, as well as designing educational exhibits and conducting research on aquatic species. They may also be involved in conservation efforts, public outreach, and collaborating with scientists to advance knowledge of fish biodiversity and habitats. This role requires expertise in ichthyology and strong organizational skills.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Curator Fish jobs? The most popular types of Curator Fish jobs are:
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Curator Fish jobs near you
Infographic showing various Curator Fish job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,627 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Assistant Curator of Fish and Invertebrates

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium is seeking a passionate and experienced Assistant Curator of Fish and Invertebrates to join our Life Sciences team. This role is ideal for an aquatic professional ready to take the next step in their career by leading husbandry teams while ensuring the highest standards of animal care, exhibit quality, and staff development. As the Assistant Curator, you will provide daytoday leadership for the Fish and Invertebrates teams and galleries, foster a positive and supportive team culture, and contribute directly to the success of one of the nation's premier accredited aquariums.

Collaborate with fellow experts in a fun, customer-focused atmosphere that prioritizes excellence and integrity. As a team member you'll be able to enjoy benefits such as Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Life Insurance, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Paid Time Off, and Employee Discounts. This is your chance to inspire visitors while being part of an extraordinary team dedicated to fostering a love for wildlife. Apply today to dive into an adventure of a lifetime!

A little about Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium consists of a 1.5-million-gallon Aquarium Adventure showcasing 35,000 animals and our immersive Wildlife Galleries sharing the story of America's most significant conservationists throughout history and today. In 2022, Wonders of Wildlife became accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Accreditation signifies our exemplary standards for animal welfare, scientific education, and staff training. Created by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder/CEO Johnny Morris, the 350,000-square-foot experience celebrates people who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water. Located next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri the campus is a centerpiece of America's Conservation Capital in Missouri's Ozark Mountains. Wonders of Wildlife has been voted "Best New Attraction in America" and "America's Best Aquarium" by the readers of USA TODAY. For more information, visit www.wondersofwildlife.org.

What's your day like?
The Assistant Curator of Fish and Invertebrates is responsible for fostering a supportive, positive team environment that promotes professional growth while ensuring the highest standards of aquatic animal husbandry, exhibit quality, and animal wellbeing. This role leads by example through strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; sets priorities and expectations; delegates effectively; and provides balanced, constructive performance feedback to support staff success. The Assistant Curator develops and maintains standard operating procedures and departmental documentation; ensures AZA inspection readiness; oversees accurate animal records, inventories, and quarantine procedures; and collaborates closely with veterinary, water quality, and life support teams to monitor animal health and life support systems.

In partnership with Curatorial leadership, the role supports staff recruitment and evaluations, breeding and conservation programs, ethical acquisition and transport of animals, exhibit and holding system development, supply ordering, budget oversight, and longrange planning. The Assistant Curator may also participate in interpretive programming, public presentations, and special events, serve as a decisionmaker in the absence of senior leadership, and perform additional duties as needed to support the mission of Wonders of Wildlife.
What It Takes to Be a Successful Assistant Curator

A successful Assistant Curator of Fish and Invertebrates brings a strong foundation in aquatic animal care combined with proven leadership skills. This role typically requires a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, along with approximately eight years of experience working with aquatic animals in a professional animal care facility. Candidates should have experience leading or supervising staff-preferably at least two years in a dynamic, teambased environment-and demonstrate a strong understanding of operant conditioning, environmental enrichment, animal behavior, and water quality as it relates to optimal animal health.

Success in this role depends on excellent teamwork, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as experience supervising interns or volunteers. The position also requires proficiency with Microsoft Office and general computer applications, the physical ability to perform handson work in exhibits, holding areas, and mechanical spaces, and the ability to meet immunization requirements associated with the animal collection.

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